Accessible services

Audio description

Audio Description is a free and existing service that can improve the enjoyment of TV for people with sight problems. Audio Description is only available through digital TV.

Like a narrator telling a story, an additional commentary describes body language, expressions and movements - giving people sight through sound.

With the UK's switchover to Digital TV everyone will be able to have access to Audio Description provided they have the right equipment.

To find out more about how you can get access to Audio Description call RNIB on 0845 766 9999 or go online at www.rnib.org.uk/ad .

Audio Description FAQs

• Can I get audio description on Sky?
• Is there a way I can have audio description on my computer?
• I'm a Telewest customer, how do I access audio description?
• How can I find out more?
• Will the help scheme cover audio description?
• Is audio description available on Freeview?
• Are there any other ways to get audio description?
• How do I set up audio description on Virgin Media?
• Can I get audio description with cable services?

• Can I get audio description on Sky?

  Any Sky customer can get audio description. To do this:

  • Press the 'services' button on the remote control
  • Select 'system setup' from the menu and press OK (or press '4' on the remote)
  • Select 'languages and subtitles' from the menu and press OK (or press '3' on the remote)
  • Select to turn audio description 'on'

  Don't forget to listen for a short beep sound that lets you know when you have selected a channel running audio description.

  For further information on Sky services for blind and partially sighted customers call Sky's Accessibility Helpline 08705 663333

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• Is there a way I can have audio description on my computer?

  Nebula Electronics has produced a computer adapter (PC and USB versions) called DigiTV for viewing TV programmes with audio descriptions on your PC.

  More information is available from Nebula electronics 01689 897090 or by visiting www.nebula-electronics.com

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• I'm a Telewest customer, how do I access audio description?

  To turn on audio description using Telewest services:

  • press TV guide button on remote
  • press left arrow once
  • select 'settings and services' and press OK
  • press up arrow once
  • select 'Display and Audio' and press OK
  • arrow down to select 'enable audio description'
  • select 'on' and press OK to save

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• How can I find out more?

  For further information about audio description on TV, please contact RNIB's Media & Culture department 0207 3912398 www.rnib.org.uk/audiodescription

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• Will the help scheme cover audio description?

  If you qualify for the help scheme you will be entitled to a choice of basic options for receiving digital TV services, depending on what digital TV providers are available in your region and the basic option is a digital box which will allow access to audio description.

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• Is audio description available on Freeview?

  Programmes are available with Audio Description on each of the main TV channels on Freeview, including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, CBeebies, ITV1, ITV2, Channel 4, Five, UK History, E4, Sky Three as well as others.

  As well as TV, you can listen to over twenty radio stations via your Freeview digital box.

  There are, however, only a few Freeview receiving products available that can receive the Audio Description. For more information please check the freeview website or contact an electrical retailer, who should be able to advise the right equipment for you.

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• Are there any other ways to get audio description?

  There is a stand-alone device available for people who don't mind not having a TV screen.

  It offers sound-only Freeview TV access with audio description and electronic programme guides.

  For information and advice on products with Audio Description contact RNIB on 0845 766 9999.

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• How do I set up audio description on Virgin Media?

  To turn on the audio description with Virgin Media:

  • press the home key (usually large button at front of the remote)
  • home menu 9 options 
  • press 8 for settings
  • settings menu has 6 options
  • press 4 to change display and audio settings
  • the display and audio menu is an unnumbered list of items on the left of the page
  • select 'audio description when available'
  • press OK

  To find out more about Accessibility on Virgin Media call 0845 4541111 or visit www.virginmedia.com

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• Can I get audio description with cable services?

  Virgin Media (formerly ntl and Telewest) is currently rolling out audio description services on a channel by channel basis over 2007.

  Virgin Media shows audio description on these channels:

  • BBC1 - channel 851
  • BBC2 - channel 852
  • ITV1 - channel 853
  • C4 - channel 854
  • Five - channel 855

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